A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PULMONARY FUNCTION PARAMETERS IN OBESE AND NON-OBESE YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

Introduction- Obesity is a growing public health concern associated with cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory disorders. Excess adiposity impairs lung mechanics, reducing spirometric parameters such as forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁). Young adults are particularly vulnerable, yet comparative data on pulmonary function in obese and non-obese individuals remain limited.

Material and Method- This comparative cross-sectional study included 100 healthy young adults (50 obese, 50 non-obese) aged 18–25 years. Anthropometric measurements, baseline physiological parameters, and spirometric assessments (FVC, FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR], and forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of FVC [FEF₂₅–₇₅%]) were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS; Student’s t-test compared groups, and Pearson’s correlation assessed associations, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Result- Obese participants had significantly higher weight, Body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio, and resting cardio-respiratory parameters. Pulmonary function parameters (FVC, FEV₁, PEFR, FEF₂₅–₇₅%) were significantly lower in obese individuals, while FEV₁/FVC ratio remained unchanged. BMI showed significant negative correlations with lung volumes and expiratory flows, indicating a restrictive pulmonary pattern in obesity.

Conclusion- Obesity in young adults is associated with reduced lung volumes and expiratory flow, elevated cardio-respiratory parameters, and a restrictive pulmonary pattern. BMI inversely correlates with pulmonary function, highlighting the need for early weight management and preventive interventions.